Daycare Cost in Washington DC

Average childcare prices across 6 counties in the Washington DC metro area, based on 2022 data from the National Database of Childcare Prices.

$19,537
Center infant (annual avg)
$16,213
Center toddler (annual avg)
$16,190
Center preschool (annual avg)

Center vs Family Care

In Washington DC, center-based infant care averages $19,537/year while family childcare averages $14,679/year — a difference of $4,858.

Affordability

Daycare in Washington DC costs 15% of the area median household income ($127,344). The HHS affordability threshold is 7% — this metro exceeds that benchmark.

vs District of Columbia state average: Center-based infant care in Washington DC is $5,943 less than the statewide average of $25,480/year.

Cost Range Across Washington DC

Prince William County $16,199
District of Columbia $25,480

County-Level Daycare Costs

Click a county to see detailed pricing breakdowns.

County Center Infant Center Toddler Center Preschool Family Infant vs Metro Avg
District of Columbia $25,480 $23,431 $20,410 $20,800 +$5,943
Montgomery County $21,533 $17,457 $17,457 $14,957 +$1,996
Loudoun County $19,027 $16,359 $17,420 $14,591 $510 less
Fairfax County $17,959 $14,996 $15,970 $13,527 $1,578 less
Prince George's County $17,024 $12,001 $12,001 $12,525 $2,513 less
Prince William County $16,199 $13,036 $13,881 $11,673 $3,338 less

All Care Types — Annual Average

Care Type Annual Average Monthly Weekly
Center-Based Infant $19,537 $1,628 $376
Center-Based Toddler $16,213 $1,351 $312
Center-Based Preschool $16,190 $1,349 $311
Family Infant $14,679 $1,223 $282
Family Toddler $13,510 $1,126 $260
Family Preschool $13,184 $1,099 $254

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